Virtual Clone » gauri.surange

VOIP Revolution

gauri.surange — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:46:49 +0000

Internet revolution has changed the business operations across the world. In the vast markets of different time zones, communication was a challenge. But with technologies like Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) communication processes are being redefined across the industry.

VOIP is the newest technology for transmitting voice messages over the Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Internet telephony as it is called converts the analog voice signal to the digital signals and translates the signal into IP packets. The steps are reversed at the recipient’s end.This simple procedure has turned out to be extremely beneficial to the companies across the world. It has reduced the cost of calls made through public switched telephone network (PSTN) manifold. Interaction with the international customers and clients is now at a mere cost of the internet.

VOIP has become a boon for the virtual assistants. Since virtual assistants work from a remote office their interaction with clients is a major expense. And many virtual assistants are individuals working from home trying to curtail maximum business expenses. Thus, VOIP has given a new dimension to communication especially in the virtual assistant industry.

Benefits of an Indian Virtual Assistant

gauri.surange — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:45:03 +0000

World has come closer now more than ever before. Internet has brought together the whole world for equitable distribution of resources.
Time, money, technology and labor are best utilized by today’s entrepreneur for gaining maximum utility. Therefore businesses at places like United Kingdom, Australia and United States of America make business sense by hiring an Indian virtual assistant. The cost of living and labor are the main reasons for the same. Indians benefit from the money convertibility and the business owners from spending less on labor.

Another reason why UK and Australian businesses find Indian virtual assistants convenient is the lesser difference between the time zones. Though the time zones differ, the difference is not as much as the difference between United States of America and India.

In this competitive and close world India has successfully maintained its identity as outsourcing hub. The rise in the number of Indian virtual assistants truly signifies that no recession would stop the business spirit of this nation.

Virtual Assistance in Recession

gauri.surange — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:28:37 +0000

Companies are cutting costs in every possible manner. Employees fear job loss. The whole feeling of the market seems down. Well, recession is here. But instead of mourning about it why not make the best of the possibilities.

Virtual assistance is the best savior from recession especially for the small scale enterprises. It reduces company’s costs manifold. The company only pays for the work on time or project basis. Thus a lot can be saved without spending on the full time salary. The virtual assistant’s services are used and retained as and when requirement arises. The social security benefits given to the employee are also not given to the virtual assistant.

During this year’s recession many individuals have lost their jobs. Many of them are open for a flexible work from home career like virtual assistance. The rates thus being offered in the market for virtual assistants have also lowered down.

The variety of services offered by the virtual assistants is also an important consideration. They are no longer limited to the administrative services. Internet marketing, blogging, accounting, travel research, event planning and numerous other services are offered by these professionals. Thus a judicious choice of a virtual assistant offering a plethora of services is the ultimate solution for the recession blues of a business.

Scams of the Virtual World

gauri.surange — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:03:10 +0000

Internet has changed the way businesses function. It has redefined the markets and scope of business expansion. This huge revolution in the magnitude of operations has also increased the risks involved. Internet has also given a way to the frauds to take advantage of the virtual functions. Internet scams are on the rise more than ever.

This is especially true for the virtual assistance business because virtual assistants and clients might not be able to meet each other. Thus both need to be cautious while doing business.

Many virtual assistants who start their new business are eager and desperate to get clients. Cons take advantage of this situation and ask for amount in order to give work. Any virtual entity that asks for money in order to get work is a scam in disguise. These cons now portray a very sophisticated front. Thus virtual assistants need to be careful.

Similarly clients also need to stay alert to recognize that their virtual assistant is genuine. Virtual assistants asking for an advance payment without showing the sample work could not be trusted. Testimonials of other clients or previous experience of the virtual assistant is essential to be checked.

Few preliminary background checks help both the entities. A formal written contract should be signed with the virtual assistant. Such steps are essential to safeguard your business from the scams of the virtual world.

Virtual Assistants and Business Ethics

gauri.surange — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:14:28 +0000

As in any other business, ethics are also integral to virtual assistance. Ethical business practices enable successful functioning of the business in the long term. Though not engraved on a piece of paper, basic morals of all businesses are same.

Virtual assistants should maintain honesty while dealing with prospects, clients and colleagues. A high standard of behaviour with different business entities is necessary. He/she should value all clients equally. Professionalism in work and behaviour both is important. All the client information should be handled with strict confidentiality. It should not be used for personal profits.

A virtual assistant should not undertake any project beyond his/her capabilities. Instead a suitable virtual assistant should be suggested for such work. Similarly skills and abilities should not be misrepresented. Willingness to learn and upgrade one’s knowledge and skills is critical to virtual assistant’s business. Knowingly one must never indulge in any unethical practice.

Ethical business is responsibility of both the virtual assistant as well as the client. Proper background checks and monitoring at regular intervals is essential for ethical business practices.

Contracts with Virtual Assistants

gauri.surange — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:59:14 +0000

The client and virtual assistant both benefit from a written agreement. Thus a specific contract should always be signed in before getting into business.

There are different types of contracts you can sign with a virtual assistant. A suitable contract can be entered into depending on the nature of work.

Hourly contracts

Virtual assistants are paid on per hour basis. This contract is beneficial when the client wants to outsource some work either once or occasionally.

Pre project contracts

When the client needs a virtual assistant for one project or per project basis, this contract is a good option. The scope of the work, estimated time for project completion, costs and other terms (if any) should be defined before entering into contract.

Retainer contracts

The client can also pay a retainer to the virtual assistant. This is especially useful if one wants to maintain a long term relationship. In this type of contract, type of services provided and number of hours should be clearly defined. This is beneficial for the virtual assistant as he/she is assured of a steady income every month. The clients also benefit as they know virtual assistant will be available for specific number of hours.

Basics of a Virtual Assistant’s Office

gauri.surange — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:57:18 +0000

Virtual assistants work from a distant location. Therefore selecting a virtual assistant needs meticulous judgements. It is important to check the basic infrastructure available with them.

Following is a checklist of the basics of a virtual assistant office-

PC/ laptop

Luxury of a time, computers are a necessity today. One computer per person should be available.

Internet connection/ broadband

The virtual presence of the virtual assistant is seen only through the net. Most of the computers in a virtual assistant’s office should have a net connection.

Telephones

In the era of the internet, telephones have still retained their importance. One telephone is mandatory in a virtual assistant’s office.

Work space

Most of the virtual assistants work from their home offices. They can also work from a shared office or an exclusive office. A definite work place also gives a postal address in case important documents are to be posted to them.

Fax

Fax machine at the work place is an added advantage for the business.

Apart from above basic requirements the virtual assistant can have many office luxuries. They can add to the convenience of work. But the professionalism of work does not necessitate them.

What do Virtual Assistants Offer?

gauri.surange — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:54:27 +0000

Virtual Assistance is no longer limited to the traditional administrative services. Increase in the use of internet for major business activities like marketing has increased its ambit manifold.

Following are the common services provided by the virtual assistants-

Web presence management

Web has changed the way businesses work across the world. Your online presence can best be managed by your virtual assistant. It includes web administration, article marketing campaigns, website maintenance, internet research, content writing, blog postings, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) etc.

Administrative services

Virtual assistants provide the support for planning, organizing, coordinating and evaluating various management tasks. Some administrative tasks are bill paying, appointment setting, invoice management, press release distribution, email management, call management, travel arrangements, personal assistance, reminder services etc.

Accounting

Conveniences like QuickBooks and MYOB have eased outsourcing the accounting tasks to the virtual assistants.

Recruitment

Outsourcing this important support function saves company’s time and money.

Others

Other services include business planning, data entry, speech writing, social and media networking, event planning, wedding planning, word processing, translation services etc.

Virtual assistants may specialize in a particular service or may offer host of them. They are flexible to accommodate the needs of their clients from time to time. Whatever they offer, it’s the professionalism of their work that make it worth outsourcing tasks to them.

Manage Your Relationship with the Virtual Assistants

gauri.surange — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:44:08 +0000

Relationship management is central to the success of a business. Natural in the case of an employee, it is different with the virtual assistants.

Communication is the key to relationship management. Communication with virtual assistants is not in person. Use of different modes of communication nullifies the effect of body language.

Some tips to strengthen the relationship with your virtual assistant are as follows-

1) Frequent communication

One should try and communicate frequently with the virtual assistant. Communication is obvious when input is given and output is taken. But one can increase the frequency to communicate between the deadlines also.

2) Not a smooth ride

There are mismatched expectations and misunderstandings in this relationship also. Being objective and honest helps during these troubled times.

3) Know the person

Virtual assistants also have a personality which might or might not reflect in their work. Gradually try to understand the person you are dealing with.

4) Wishes and greetings

One can send greetings and good wishes to their virtual assistants on festivals or birthdays.

Nine Considerations while Selecting a Virtual Assistant.. Cont’d

gauri.surange — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:50:37 +0000

5. Professionalism
The professionalism in which the Virtual Assistant guides you through the first conversation is very essential in determining his attitude towards his work. Apart from skilled Virtual Assistant who can provide good service, you also need someone who exhibits brilliant business sense.

6. Experience
That’s the most important qualification a good Virtual Assistant has. Extensive administrative experience gives a Virtual Assistant an edge above the other service providers. From the level of experience, he or she is expected to possess the superior skills, training and business knowledge that are the hallmark of a truly qualified Virtual Assistant.

7. Training and Certifications
These add to the personal qualifications of the Virtual Assistant. Well trained and certified person is expected to have a dignified level of knowledge and expertise. But too much of importance to trainings and certifications of the Virtual Assistant might not be fruitful as no certification is going to guarantee competence. There has been a proliferation in recent years of disreputable and unqualified opportunists willing to “certify” anyone willing to pay.

8. Testimonials
Browse the testimonials on the company website. They give a fair idea about what the clients think about the particular Virtual Assistant. If the person writing a testimonial has left his contact details or the company name it authenticates the testimonials.

9. Trial
Posting a small job as a test is the best way to assure the perfect business partner for your organization. Just chose one particular task, and post a job for that one. You get a chance to establish a working relationship with the concerned. Alternatively you can also ask for some sample work to be emailed.

Finally the person you would choose will be representing you so weigh the prospect in all directions. Apart from someone who delivers good work, you need someone you can trust, someone who will be able to handle your requests, and someone who will do the job efficiently, on time, and preferably, with a smile and friendly word.